Quick answer: Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday) 2027 is Tuesday 9 February. Carnival season starts on 6 January, and the biggest parades roll in the final 10–12 days. Watch along St. Charles Avenue for a family-friendly experience, and book hotels months ahead.
Mardi Gras is a free, city-wide celebration organised by private clubs called krewes, who throw beads, cups and coveted hand-decorated items from elaborate floats.
Key parades
| Parade | When | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Krewe du Vieux | Early in the season | Satirical, walking parade |
| Muses | Thursday before | Decorated shoes |
| Endymion | Saturday before | One of the largest super-krewes |
| Bacchus | Sunday before | Celebrity monarchs |
| Zulu and Rex | Fat Tuesday | Zulu coconuts; Rex, “King of Carnival” |
Check the parade schedule on the official New Orleans tourism site; routes and times can change.
Where to watch
- Uptown on St. Charles Avenue: families, ladders and picnics.
- CBD and Canal Street: crowded, central.
- French Quarter: big parades don’t enter it, but costumes and street life do.
- Frenchmen Street and the Marigny: walking krewes and costumes on Fat Tuesday.
Tips
- Book accommodation 6–12 months ahead.
- Plan where you’ll find a bathroom: many bars charge or require a purchase.
- Wear a costume on Fat Tuesday: locals go all out.
- Streetcars on St. Charles are suspended during parades.
FAQ: Mardi Gras
Is Mardi Gras family friendly?
Yes, along St. Charles Avenue Uptown. Bourbon Street is the adult scene.
Do you need tickets for Mardi Gras?
No, parades are free. Grandstand seats and balcony parties are optional extras.
More New Orleans guides
- New Orleans travel guide
- 20 best things to do in New Orleans
- New Orleans itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in New Orleans
- Best time to visit New Orleans
- New Orleans airport to the French Quarter
- New Orleans swamp tours
- French Quarter guide
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